Two Wilkes County men are accused of using a vehicle to drag a donkey along Elk Creek-Darby Road on Friday.Wilkes County Sheriff Chris Shew said someone called 911 to report the spectacle.When officers arrived, they found the donkey suffering from injuries to the back of its legs and hooves that were worn down. Animal control officials said the donkey was treated and is expected to make a full recovery.While deputies were at the scene, the two suspects, William Howard Tugman and Morris Huggins drove back by as deputies were directing traffic, Shew said.According to the Wilkes Journal Patriot, the suspects told a deputy they used their vehicle to pull the donkey out of the road, then admitted to pulling the animal down the road.Both smelled strongly of alcohol and admitted to drinking that morning, the newspaper reported, and an open beer can was found in their vehicle.They were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals.There was no information released about who owns the donkey.

WILKES COUNTY, N.C. —

Two Wilkes County men are accused of using a vehicle to drag a donkey along Elk Creek-Darby Road on Friday.

Wilkes County Sheriff Chris Shew said someone called 911 to report the spectacle.

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When officers arrived, they found the donkey suffering from injuries to the back of its legs and hooves that were worn down. Animal control officials said the donkey was treated and is expected to make a full recovery.

While deputies were at the scene, the two suspects, William Howard Tugman and Morris Huggins drove back by as deputies were directing traffic, Shew said.

According to the Wilkes Journal Patriot, the suspects told a deputy they used their vehicle to pull the donkey out of the road, then admitted to pulling the animal down the road.

Both smelled strongly of alcohol and admitted to drinking that morning, the newspaper reported, and an open beer can was found in their vehicle.